THE new owner of Thoulstone Farm wants to build nine new homes on the site next to the A36 at Chapmanslade.

Ian Hodder, of Blockworks Group Ltd, Pitmaston House, Malvern Road, Worcester, is seeking planning permission to renovate, convert and extend the farm's outbuildings.

The Midlands property developer submitted plans to Wiltshire Council on November 8 and the deadline for consultation is December 13. A decision is expected by January 3.

Mr Hodder is also seeking listed building consent to alter the Grade 2 listed main house at Thoulstone Farm.

Three of the homes in the converted outbuildings would be have three bedrooms and the remaining six four bedrooms.

There is existing parking space for 12 vehicles; Mr Hodder is looking to increase this to 18 spaces.

Heritage consultant Stella De-Villiers said: "The scheme causes no change to the significance of the probably late 18th-century Grade 2 Listed Thoulstone Farmhouse itself.

"The former agricultural buildings are undesignated heritage assets of low significance, with this significance mainly deriving from their architectural and historic values, with lesser contributions from their aesthetic value and their setting.

"The scheme for conversion has some minor negative changes but, in addition to preserving the long-term future of the assets, the scheme retains important elements that contribute towards their significance such as specific architectural character, the layout of the yard including the building’s settings and their association with the former farmhouse. Overall there will be no change to the significance of the buildings."